Living by the Moon: How Aligning with the Cycles of Nature Can Change Your World

November 13, 2018 Jen Wyatt

Ahh, the moon. She rules over us with her gentle glow, ever present (except for those few days a month), and yet so many of us go about our earthly routines unaware of her influence. The moon runs through a natural cycle, waxing and waning, an ebb and a flow, each and every month. Each and every month she has the chance to start anew, to grow to her fullest potential and magic, and then to release and let go as she shrinks back to darkness.

Over the last year, I’ve become more acutely aware of the moon’s presence. For me, the idea of living by the moon came gradually - first a friend recommending a book, then the occasional new moon and full moon workshops I attended. It wasn’t until last summer that I decided to dedicate myself to studying the phases of the moon and how they are meant to help guide our lives and assist in manifesting our desires.

First things first:
Feminine vs. Masculine Energies
There are so many representations of the moon throughout various cultures. Most often, the moon is represented as a feminine energy, while the sun is associated with masculine energy. This does not mean working with the moon is only for women - we each have both masculine and feminine energies in our makeup.

In this case, the feminine energy is associated with yin energy. Being, feeling, receiving, surrender, ease, flow. Feminine represents the softer, cooler, darker energies that allow us to flow with cycles, to receive, and to surrender.

Masculine energy is associated with yang energy. Doing, thinking, action, effort, forward motion. Masculine represents the harder, hotter, and firey energies that allow us to push forward, to persevere, to actively create and make things happen.

The entire universe needs a balance of masculine and feminine energies in order to thrive in harmony, as do each of us. However, we live in a masculine society that for thousands of years has valued masculine energies over the feminine. We believe the way to success is in hard work, in pushing, fighting, the struggle, overcoming obstacles. Too much masculine energy has led to excess violence, aggression, and destruction of the planet. In our day to day lives, an excess of masculine energy has caused burnout, anxiety, stress, and their resulting health problems.

Working with the moon is one way to restore the energetic balance. Whether you are male or female, working in harmony with the cycles of nature can help to bring a greater connection to the divine feminine and allow your life to naturally flow the way it should - downstream, with ease.

The Moon as Triple Goddess
Of the various representations of the moon, the one that personally resonates with me is the symbolism of the triple goddess. This is symbolized by the waxing, full, and waning moons, which represents the three phases of the goddess - maiden, mother, and crone. There have been countless representations of these three women - young, middle-aged, and old - in the arts around the world. This is the triple goddess.

The maiden represents the waxing moon, growing larger in the sky. The maiden represents the early phases of life, a phase that is full of potential. Think new beginnings, expansion, youth, and excitement. The world at your fingertips.

The mother represents the full moon. Mother energy is full of creativity and is nurturing, and represents the mid point in life, the peak of the cycle. She is fertility, power, stability, and fulfillment. Whether you are creating and caring for a child or a loved one, or tending to a project or a business - when you are standing in this stable power, you are in your mother energy.

The crone represents the waning moon, growing smaller in the sky. The crone represents the last phase of life, one where we have gathered wisdom from living through the previous cycles and we can surrender knowing that we’ve done all we can. We let go and allow the cycle to come toward its end. She is the elder, the teacher, the keeper of wisdom, and holder of compassion.

The beauty of working with the moon in this way is that we can flow through each of these energies each and every month. Each month you have the opportunity to harness the excitement and potential of the maiden, the power and fulfillment of the mother, and the wisdom and intuition of the crone. And in that way, our life follows a spiral of growth, creativity, and surrender. Learning to live in accordance with these waxing and waning energies will truly change how you see the world and your own life.

Concrete ways this can change your world
For me, working with the energies of the moon changes my life in profound ways. Here are some of the ways that this practice has guided me, and I highlight specific ways that I personally choose to work with the moon.

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

It reminds me to live life with a clear direction and intention, each and every month.
One step to working with the moon is tracking the date of the new moon each month. The new moon represents the time right after the dark moon that the first bit of light from the crescent begins to show. The moon now begins its waxing journey as it grows toward full. (Note that some use new moon interchangeably with the dark moon - when the moon is invisible to us. However, I personally find that the dark moon has a different energy from when the first crescent of light appears. I tend to find the dark moon as a time for shadow work and alone time.)

The new moon is a time to set new intentions for your life. The world is your oyster! What do you want to call into your life? What are your goals, your intentions, for the next moon cycle, the next 6 months, the next year? The new moon gives us an opportunity each and every month to get clear about what we desire. And even if you don’t believe in the energy of the moon, anyone can stand behind the fact that when you get clear about what you want, and when you write it down, you are more likely to achieve it. This is proven. Thus, setting new moon intentions improves your ability to manifest your dreams and desires.
It gives me a guideline for reflection.
Paying attention to the phases of the moon, and their associated energies, gives me a structure for reflecting upon my life. The moon’s cycle of waxing and waning is often broken into 8 distinct phases based on the shape of the moon, each with their own unique energies and things to focus on. You can read more about each of these phases in the recommended reading below.

I also love tracking the daily moon through the astrological houses to see what the current energy is for that day. Just as the sun passes through all 12 signs of the zodiac in a year, the moon also passes through these signs. However, since an entire moon cycle is just 29.5 days, we are in a new sign of the zodiac every 2-2.5 days.

This means the energy of our inner world (remember the moon governs feelings) is shifting all the time. I am a person who likes to journal my thoughts, feelings, and what I’m going through at least several times per week, sometimes daily. When I’m feeling stuck, blocked, or uncertain, I look up the daily moon and it’s zodiac sign and it will give me topics to explore in my own life that might help me glean some clarity.
It reminds me to release and forgive, each and every month.
Working with the moon is also a great opportunity to take advantage of the full moon. The full moon is said to be a time of heightened intuition and magic. This is a time to get quiet and listen to yourself! It’s also a perfect time to think about what you need to release.

Just before the moon starts to wane, and get smaller, we can set intentions for all that we would like to release. It’s a perfect time to write a list of everything still burdening you, to acknowledge limiting beliefs or thought patterns, and to make a list of everyone you need to forgive (including yourself). Read more about full moon forgiveness in this post.

By thinking about this each month, I give myself a chance to consciously acknowledge the things, thoughts, and energies that no longer serve me in my life, and to let them fall away.
It helps me to create sacred space for myself, as well as ritual and connection with others.
Working with the moon gives me a time for ritual. What is ritual? It’s defined as an established form for a ceremony, or a series of acts regularly repeated in a precise manner. What does this mean in the context of the moon? It gives a sacred and healthy habit or routine for reflecting, taking care of yourself, and connecting with others.

For me, my ritual typically involves journaling (whether my intentions, my progress, or things I am releasing or forgiving). It sometimes includes fire; when I really feel the need to symbolically release something, I will burn it. Sometimes it just includes sacred alone time, including creative time. For the November new moon, I felt compelled to turn off my phone, blast some music, and paint for hours. It was a sacred time for me to be with myself and nurture my body, mind, and soul with what was calling to me. There is no right or wrong here. It simply creates the space for you to listen to yourself and honor your needs.

With others, ritual often includes a ceremony of discussion, yoga, meditation, fire, drumming, sound healing, art, and any combination of the above. It’s a way to connect with yourself and with others in a like-minded community. Transformation is often even more powerful when amplified by other supportive beings holding space for you.
It brings compassion and love for my journey.
Finally, recognizing the repeating, spiral energies of the moon has helped me find more self-compassion on this journey. Life is not meant to be lived in a straight line, as we are often made to believe. We are taught to push forward, that with clear direction, strength, and perseverance we will move consistently in the direction of our goals, always improving, never falling back. This simply isn’t the case.

Life moves us in all sorts of directions. Sometimes we are flying high and we feel we can move mountains. We push forward in the direction of our goals and it seems nothing can stand in our way. Other times we feel blocked, stunted, or that we need to take time out to go within. When we accept that life moves in a circular path, we can more easily accept where we are in any given moment. We can accept that the journey is designed this way. That everything is unfolding as it should for our learning and development.

Being kind to yourself is always a work in progress. Just remember that life is not meant to always be sunshine and rainbows, though those are amazing. It’s also filled with moonglow and shadows. And those are just as beautiful.

How to begin working with the Moon
While it may seem that there is a lot to learn, working with the energy of the moon does not have to be an overwhelming task. Let it be fun, beautiful, and exciting to learn to harness additional energy for your own self-discovery, growth, and manifestation of your desires.

Start small. Begin by becoming aware of the moon. When you’re outside, look up. Notice when the moon is waxing (getting bigger), full, waning (getting smaller), or dark. You’ll start to realize the rhythm and cycle and this will help you as you start to work with these phases.
Get a moon cycle app, planner, or calendar. This will also help you see when the major shifts in the moon phases are going to occur. Often standard calendars will include the new moon, first quarter moon, full moon, and third quarter moon. Contact me if you’d like suggestions.
Create your own routines, rituals, ceremonies, or habits that you do around the time of the new moon and the full moon. These are great ways to start small (only twice a month) with working with this energy. I love the recommendations from Yasmin Boland in Moonology, but there are so many great resources.
You can also check out my Instagram posts on a new moon ritual here and here.
And again, my blog post about full moon forgiveness here.
Find events near you. Check your local yoga studio to see if they have any moon related yoga classes or meditations. Search women’s groups and moon circles in your area. This is becoming more and more popular. If not in your area, there are plenty of online communities that offer free and paid membership moon planning, meditations, rituals, etc. Contact me for some of my favorites.
Read, read, read. If you really want to learn more, start to dive into the information that’s out there. I found some really wonderful beginner books this summer, and I’ve listed them at the bottom of this post. There are so many more I am looking forward to exploring.

Aligning with the cycles of the moon has certainly brought more awareness, more focus, and more targeted reflection into my life, and sharing the beauty of this practice is something I am so passionate about. It’s a lovely way for us to come together and celebrate the beauty of our cyclical life.

We live in a spiral. We ebb, we flow, we stumble, and we run. Life is not meant to be linear. When we embrace the energies of the moon, we learn to embrace the beauty in the spirals of life, and ultimately learn to appreciate each part of our journey.

Photo by Muhammad Haikal Sjukri on Unsplash

Suggested Reading List:
Moonology by Yasmin Boland
(Accompanying Moonology Diary 2019 - I am very excited to use this!)
Lunar Abundance by Ezzie Spencer
Moon Magic by Diane Ahlquist
Moon Spells by Diane Ahlquist

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Digital Detox: What I learned when my phone sat in a bag of rice for 48 hours

August 20, 2018 Jen Wyatt

My phone was less-than-gently caressed by an extra exuberant wave of an incoming tide. Last time I checked, iPhones and oceans don’t mix. So it immediately went into a bag of rice (well, as soon as I could get to the grocery store). Which somehow worked, or the water didn't get inside the phone as much as expected. Either way, I was without a phone for 48 hours. And I learned some things. Thanks, Universe.

I was away for a wedding weekend when this occurred. So at the wedding, I took no photos, I sent no texts, and I did no posting on Instagram or Facebook. I was present in each moment, with the people I was with. The next day, I decided to take the long way home (cue Supertramp). I went exploring on a scenic route from New Bedford, Massachusetts back to Warwick, Rhode Island. I made a rough plan from the hotel computer and used my car GPS map. I had no phone, but I did have an iPad to take pictures, and to potentially connect to coffee shop wifi in case of "emergencies" and to tell my Mom I wasn’t dead. But there was nothing instantaneous about my connection to others or the digital world. I didn't even have my Spotify, which is my go-to for driving. It was me, the good old-fashioned radio, and the open road.

I was extra present. It felt different. I felt more peaceful and more alive at the same time. I savored each moment of my aloneness and my wandering. My conclusion?

Too much screen, text, and social media time is slowly killing us. It’s taking away our freedom. It’s trapping us in a prison of falsehood, a bad dream, a matrix of non-reality. When I’m thinking about my phone, I'm not present to the world around me. The way I used to be as a child and young adult, before smartphones, was true freedom that I didn’t even realize I had lost. I tapped back into that yesterday.

It’s time to take back our lives. Being buried behind a phone is not living. It’s a limitation that I feel pressing down on me and closing in...

Right now, I am thinking about how to maintain an online presence for my business without sacrificing my own presence in the world. Taking the time to post a photo to an Instagram story in the moment, dilutes my experience of that moment. In feeling that I need to share each experience with the wider world of social media, I am losing my personal connection to, and absorption of, that experience. It’s become surface. It’s become superficial.

I don’t want to give up being present in the world anymore. I share because maybe this realization can help you too. Perhaps you’ve had similar thoughts.

Yesterday, I savored every color, the flavor of my coffee, an amazing (gluten-free, because it’s me) sandwich. Every smell, the fresh air. Every sound, the rustling leaves and the path under my feet. The sensation of my open window breeze, and the first chilly air that foreshadows the fall to come. I was alive. Because I wasn’t multi-tasking trying to instashare my experience or check email or text. I was alone. But not really alone. The singing birds, the Queen Anne’s Lace, the rocky gravel, and the meandering country roads kept me company.

I saw a house overgrown and overtaken by Mother Nature. I realize my mind has become like this abandoned home. It’s crowded. It’s confused. Meditation and yoga have been necessary just to keep me sane. The technology and fast-paced lifestyle of our modern world has become too much for my brain to withstand. I’m a buzzing highway of fleeting information, thoughts, emotions, memories.

But I realized yesterday… when I’m present to the world and I unplug from the social matrix, when I slow down and am present in each moment and experience, that clutter dissolves. And I am free. Not having a smartphone in my purse released me from a grip I didn’t realize was holding me so tightly.

We can all be free.

I'm researching the best gentle alarm clocks. My phone isn’t allowed in my bedroom anymore. No exceptions. I’m creating a new digital detox plan to take my life back. Not a short-term digital detox fad diet. A new digital lifestyle plan.

I will share it with you and if you’d like to join me, we can support each other. Mentally. Or on a scheduled phone date.

Definitely not in a Facebook support group.

Before I go, please don’t misunderstand me.

Technology is a wonderful thing, when used appropriately. Technology has given rise to the age of information (the Age of Aquarius has dawned) - we are able to learn, access, and connect with people and ideas in ways that would have never been possible before. It’s beautiful! It’s helping those in their spiritual awakenings, it’s helping people to become more informed about health, wellness, important issues, and it’s helping us stand up and mobilize against those that oppress, poison, and abuse us (hello government, big pharma, big agriculture, and more).

But even wonderful things must be consumed with the proper moderation. Sunlight is love and light, but too much of it will burn us. Water is life, but an overdose of water can actually harm us (although most of us are far from reaching those levels, so keep reaching for that water bottle!). Technology is the same. Let’s learn to use its benefits without allowing it to poison our personal experiences and infiltrate our lives. The world will not end if we don’t document each experience. Live your life for you...not for the likes.

So tell me in the comments...how are you going to take back your life?

The beautiful thing about being disconnected and free to wander... we find the most unexpected places. This is Carla Lee and her little Angel Shop and Crystal Shop. She lives in a beautiful farmhouse with her husband and they've put together this shop. She said while they do have a small online presence, they rely very much on word of mouth. Or, if you happen to see the hand-painted wooden signs on the road that point toward "Angel Shop," like I did. I went there and purchased some crystals, and connected with a beautiful soul. Check out the Angel Shop at 956 Sodom Road in Westport, MA.

Full Moon Forgiveness: One way to find healing and happiness

July 30, 2018 Jen Wyatt

This past weekend was an epic full moon and lunar eclipse in Aquarius. In my Sisters of the Moon circle, we've been chatting about the energies of the moon in its difference phases. With today's historic lunar eclipse, the power of the full moon energies is double time. Don't be surprised if you feel a little "off," emotional, restless, or out of sorts these days. It's time to let things come up and out.

Release, Let Go, Forgive

The full moon is a time to let go and release what doesn't serve us. Even more importantly (in my opinion), the full moon is a time to forgive.

We all have forgiveness work to do. Lack of real forgiveness holds us back. Forgiveness comes in all shapes and sizes. You may have big forgiveness work to do, or it may seem more trivial. Whether you need to forgive another for past hurts or betrayals, or whether you need to forgive yourself, now is the time to reflect and set the intention to release and let it go.

You may think you have forgiven, but if you still feel a negativity toward yourself or another person, there is still more work to be done. Regret is a sign that we need to forgive ourselves. Once you truly forgive, it frees you from any burden or negative feelings you may still carry in the present.

Keep in mind that forgiveness does not mean you are giving approval of a harmful action. It doesn't mean you agree with what was done, or think it was "okay." It means you are releasing and letting go, for your own sake. It can no longer harm you from within. Because emotionally and psychologically holding on to past hurts and resentments do harm you. Your emotions are directly tied to your physical health.

Some questions to consider today on this full moon:

What have you been holding on to that isn't serving your highest good or purpose?
What can you release in order to step into your ideal life, and feel the way you want to feel?
Who can you forgive? Include yourself.

If you want to take it to the next level, you can turn this into a meditative ceremony. Write down all you need to release, all you need to forgive. And then burn the list (safely). This ritual will help you to tangibly feel the effects of releasing and forgiving. You can do this alone, or with friends or family.

Forgiveness is the key to our freedom.

Want to learn more about working with the energies of the moon? I've found these resources amazingly helpful. I also plan on using Yasmin Boland's Moonology Diary for the upcoming year!

Lunar Abundance
Moonology
Moonology Diary 2019
Moon Magic

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It's Not Too Late to Get Mindful: Set Your Intentions for the New Year

February 10, 2018 Jen Wyatt

Mindful New Year Intentions Jen Wyatt Yoga

This post has been updated for the 2018/2019 year.

If you will miss my in-person January workshops on mindful intention setting for the new year, here is your chance to do some of the work on your own! It's never too late to set intentions for how you want to move forward. Grab a journal and a towel/cushion/yoga mat and follow the steps below to create a simple blueprint for how you want to move into the new year.

Intentions vs. Resolutions

In the mindfulness and wellness space, "intentions" is the buzzword we like to use rather than "resolutions." I'm on board with it, and I'll tell you why. New Year's Resolutions have come to have a negative connotation, and it's because of the way we use them. Our resolutions often stem from a place of feeling less than, like something is lacking, or that we're not good enough. We feel bad about one aspect of our life and we RESOLVE TO FIX IT (fist in the air!).

"This year my resolution is to lose 20 pounds." "This year my resolution is to go to the gym 5 days per week." "This year my resolution is to eat healthy every day." (Have you noticed how most resolutions are also related to our bodies? Interesting. Eye roll.)

Come February, when we haven't reached our goal, we typically throw the resolution out the window. And feel even worse about ourselves because we couldn't keep it.

Let's shift that. What if we set an intention for our year, one that acts more as an overarching theme for how we want to feel and be in the year ahead? The intention becomes our anchor. When we start to drift away from this theme or intention, like a boat or paddleboard in the current, we have that anchor down. We may drift slightly off course, but we can always come back to our intention.

The below steps will not help you set a resolution. They will help you set positive intentions designed to bring more joy into your life.

Reflection: Looking Back to Look Forward

Find a comfortable seat and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths - in through the nose and out through the mouth.

Start to visualize the year that is now behind you - 2018. Scan through your year, starting from January all the way through to the present moment.

What did the last year feel like? What are the emotions you feel as your visualize your year?

What were the highlights? Big accomplishments? Milestones? What brought you the most joy?

What was difficult? What felt lacking? What do you need to let go?

Continue to sit with eyes closed and visualize your 2018 until you feel complete. Then slowly open the eyes, grab your journal, and answer the above questions in a journal or on another paper. Yes - don't skip this step! Writing down your thoughts will help you release the previous year before moving ahead.

Looking at what you wrote, you'll probably already get a sense of what you may want to shift in 2019. Whatever comes up is great information - and will help us as we move into the next steps.

Optional: Yoga Flow

In the in-person workshop, we flowed to a yoga sequence I designed to open the Sacral Chakra (governs pleasure, emotion, joy, creativity, living life to the fullest, and letting go) and the Heart Chakra (governs love for self and others, compassion, and warmth). By opening our sacral chakra we can let go of the past and focus on what brings us pleasure and joy, and opening the heart chakra allows us to move forward into the new year with an open heart and from a place of love and kindness.

If you'd like to do this flow on your own, I've listed the sequence here. The postures help us to release 2018 and open our hearts to the possibility of the new year ahead. Do as much or as little as you desire, but I promise you that moving your body really does open the mind (and the heart) to be able to do the next exercises.

Meditation

(Become familiar with the few steps of this simple meditation before taking your seat to begin. Feel free to set a timer if you'd like to keep the time - I recommend at least 10-20 minutes, and love using the app Insight Timer with a gentle alarm and optional meditation music. It will give you a soft reminder when time is up but does not require you to press a button to turn the alarm off - this is important so you aren't rudely jolted out of your meditation.)

Find a comfortable seat either on the floor or a chair, and close your eyes. Take 5-8 deep breaths - in through the nose and out through the mouth. With each inhale grow taller, reaching the crown of your head toward the sky, and rooting the hips into the earth or chair. With each exhale relax the shoulders back and down and find a softness throughout your body, while still maintaining a long spine. Then settle into relaxed breathing - in and out through the nose.

Use this time to come into the present moment by bringing your attention to your breath. Notice how each breath feels. Where do you feel the breath the most? Maybe it's with the rise and fall of the chest. Maybe it's the expanding and relaxing of the belly. Maybe it's the cool air passing in and out through your nose. Stay in this moment now. Not looking back and not looking forward. Feeling the sensations of each inhale and each exhale.

Use your breath as an anchor. As your mind drifts away from where you are, or you become distracted by thoughts, feelings, or sounds, just let them gently pass by. We acknowledge their presence, but don't follow those distractions. Let them go and then softly bring your attention back to your breath. Back to that anchor.

After 5-20 minutes (all levels are welcome here), start to bring a vision of 2019 to your mind's eye. What are the emotions you are feeling this year? What are you spending your time doing? Where are you spending your time? Who are you spending your time with? What is bringing you joy?

Then, think of one word or phrase that can be your intention, your anchor, for 2019. Let it be something that brings you true happiness and joy. This is your focus for the year.

Perhaps the word is a noun - a person, place, thing, or concept (think: love, family, creativity, travel, growth). Perhaps the word is a verb, an action (build, explore, rest, slow down). Perhaps the word is an adjective (free, happy, rejuvenating, loving). Think of YOUR word for 2019.

Journal

Feel free to journal and write down the answers to the above guiding questions. What are the emotions you are feeling in 2019? What are you spending your time doing? Where are you spending your time? Who are you spending your time with? What is bringing you joy?

Write Your Intention (and refer back to it frequently)

(1) At the top of a new sheet of paper, write down your word in a sentence like this:

2019: The Year Of _______ <--insert your word

{Example 1 ~ 2019: The Year Of Growth}

{Example 2 ~ 2019: The Year Of Creativity}

(2) Create one large goal relating to your word. What is something big you can do or strive for relating to your word?

{Example 1 ~ Attend a transformational retreat}

{Example 2 ~ Enroll in an art class}

(3) List three action steps that you can take every day or every week to bring this theme into your life. These action steps are simple, and these will help you stay anchored. When life gets crazy and you fall off track (and life WILL get crazy, and you WILL fall off track), hold these action steps as ways you can come back to yourself and come back to your intention.

{Example 1 ~ Read self-development for 10 minutes a day; Meditate for 10 minutes a day; Listen to 1 inspiring podcast every week}

{Example 2 ~ Write in a journal daily; Set aside 2 hours a week for painting or drawing; Practice guitar for 15-30 minutes}

(4) Write a mantra or daily affirmation that you can use as a guide or anchor for this theme. This is a phrase or a sentence you can repeat to yourself to remind you of your intention. Post this mantra or affirmation somewhere you will see it every day - the bathroom mirror, the refrigerator, the coffee pot. Say it to yourself daily. Trust me on this one.

{Example 1 ~ Magic happens outside of my comfort zone.}

{Example 2 ~ I am my best self when I make time to express myself creatively.}

Go Forth and Wander Free

Having set your intention for 2019, you move into the next year from a more mindful place. Keep your intention, goal, action steps, and especially your affirmation somewhere close by, so that you can review it frequently.

As you move through the new year, use this intention, this theme, this anchor to guide your choices for how you want to experience life this year. Remember that you have the power to create your reality. Take the necessary steps to bring more joy into your life, and I promise you - it will work.

Namaste and may you have an amazing new year!

How to be Happier (Thoughts on "Minimalism")

November 16, 2017 Jen Wyatt

Ever since I watched the documentary Minimalist, I've been really intrigued by the idea of minimalism. Not minimalism because it's trendy. Not minimalism because tiny houses are all the rage (all though I DO want a tiny house and/or a live-in converted van...but more on that another time). I'm intrigued by minimalism as a way to practice everyday happiness.

You see, I relate very much to the grind that was described in the documentary. It goes like this... first, we may feel an underlying sense of unease or that something's missing in our lives...and our thinking mind (or our ego) interprets that feeling to mean we need MORE. More shoes, more fashionable clothes, bigger TVs, fancier cars, more fame, more fortune, more, more, MORE. And it works...for a while. The gratification of getting something new feels good, and it makes us feel *happy*. But you know where this is going. That happiness isn't real...or at least, isn't here to stay. It's a temporary high; it's fleeting. And the holes we are trying to fill are coming from a deeper place, not from a lack of material things.

As a society, we are trying to fill the gaps in our souls with stuff. How can you fill a soul with stuff!?

"Wait, Jen!" you say. "I don't fill my life with stuff! I love experiences. I spend all my money on travel, massages, yoga, acupuncture, wine tastings, and my dog. I'm NOT a materialistic person."

I get it, that's what I said too. But sometimes, and you have to be honest with yourself, we use experiences in the same way that we use things. We want to experience more and more in order to fill a deeper void or longing within us, and we often feel the happiest when we have one of these experiences to look forward to. But what about being happy now? In this moment. Yeah, this one, right now.

From what I've learned from my short 32 years on this earth, is that first, happiness is not a destination. Happiness is a way of travel. Happiness comes from the way you experience the journey. And the way to experience the journey, the one that will cause you that ever elusive happiness, is to be truly present in every single moment. Find joy in just BEING, rather than rushing through the present and using it merely as a stepping stone to some "future" destination.*

How does minimalism tie into all of this? Minimalism clears our lives of the excess stuff, so that we can be more focused on the source of true happiness. Do you truly need to have the newest and coolest tech gadget? Do you really need 18 purses and 36 pairs of shoes? Is that new car, motorcycle, iPad, or luxury apartment going to fill that deep ache you feel, the ache that silently tells you something is missing in your life? Spoiler alert: No, No, and It Won't.

The way I've started practicing "minimalism" to feel happier

Now, I shall use "minimalism" in quotes because by no means am I living like a true minimalist such as the guys in the documentary, and I don't claim to be. Maybe I'll be there one day. However, I love what I've learned, and I've been incorporating some minimalist practices into my life. I can tell you first hand that I feel so much happier on a day to day basis.

When I left Boston this past summer, I needed to somehow plan to fit an entire apartment (that's about 2 closets, 3 dressers, 3 bookcases, 15+ kitchen cabinets, 8+ drawers, 1 nightstand, a desk, and random piles all FILLED) into an SUV. Hmmm...

Obviously some purging needed to happen. Enter, a book that actually made magic happen.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

I won't go through the entire process, because you just need to read it for yourself. But I used this strategy to evaluate almost every item in my apartment and decide whether it brought me joy and added to the vision that I have for my life and my future. Other than a few plastic tubs I'm storing (it's at this place called Mom's Storage. Have you heard of it?), all of my belongings fit in my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder and came with me on the road trip to Florida.

The benefits of practicing "minimalism"

I save more money. I've realized how much I actually own and how much I don't need. Sure, I enjoy getting new things. But I rarely shop now unless I truly need something. And if I really really want something, I first reflect on my current mental status. Am I purchasing this because I think THIS ITEM will bring me more happiness? (It won't.) Am I purchasing this because I want to look a certain way to other people? And I think THAT image will bring me more happiness (It won't.) Am I purchasing this item because I'm a little sad, anxious, irritated right now and I know it will make me feel better? (It won't, for long.)

Decisions are easier. It's so much easier to choose what I want to wear - I love everything that's in my closet. And it makes choices that much easier - does anyone else struggle with indecision? That's a topic for another day.

It's so much easier to stay tidy. We all know that stressful feeling when you have no time and your place is a mess, which makes you feel even more stressed and like you have even less time. With less sh#t in my life, I can avoid that.

I have more time. The above three reasons help me have more time. I'm not spending time shopping, I'm not wasting time trying to figure out what to wear or trying to find one item of clothing in a sea of madness. I also spend less time cleaning or tidying, because there's just less to tidy.

I feel like I have SPACE in my life. Living in an apartment with so much stuff felt like I was suffocating. Everything needed to be exactly in it's tiny little place or else the whole apartment was disheveled. Having more physical space in my life has created more mental space inside my head. I know there's some science or spirituality behind this, and I don't know what it is right now, but I can tell you that it's true. This stuff works.

You can do it too: ways to incorporate "minimalism" into your life right now

Here is a summary of what I did, as well as other suggestions for incorporating minimalistic principles and more happiness into your daily living.

1) Buy the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and actually DO THE WORK. I cannot replicate the wonder of the decluttering system that she has created in this book. But if you won't commit to that, then:

2) Just start donating, recycling, or tossing things you don't use or wear.

3) Get rid of anything you don't love. It may be functional, you may use it, you may wear it. If it's not adding to your life - dump it. Donate it and someone else can enjoy it more than you do now.

4) Pause before you purchase something. Ask yourself why you are buying it. Are you trying to feel good or "self-medicate" with this purchase? Are you chasing that high? Are you trying to fit in, or "keep up with the Joneses"? Newsflash: The Joneses suck.

5) Start practicing gratitude for what you do have. Write down what you are grateful for in a journal, on tiny slips of paper and throw them in a jar, say them outloud, or think about them in your meditation. Or just walk around your house and say "hey thanks, shoes. You've done me well today." Look at everything you have and realize that you do have everything you need.

6) Focus on the activities that bring you joy. What brings you into the present moment? What do you love to do so much that time seems to stop? That's the flow state. Whatever that thing is, DO MORE OF THAT.

7) Focus on what's truly important, and fill your life with true riches. Love, compassion, family, friends, creativity, and appreciation for each and every wonder this beautiful world has to offer. You'll notice that these are the things that make you feel whole and complete. Not the iPhone 17.

I hope this post has helped you in some way, or at least sparked your interest in starting to declutter, simplify, or "minimalize" your own life.

~ Jen

*Eckhart Tolle teaches the concept of BEING in detail in his books, and I'm a huge fan of one I just finished, A New Earth. If you haven't read it yet and this post intrigues you, add it to your list. It's the follow-up to his bestseller The Power of Now. Either is great. He can teach you how to start to practice living in the present moment, and thus experiencing life with greater happiness.

This post includes affiliate links. That means that if you purchase a product I've recommended, I may earn a small commission from Amazon. I only recommend books, products, etc. that I fully believe will help you change your life! Purchasing through these links helps to support Wander Free Wellness in the mission of spreading healing and self-discovery. Thank you!

On Living the Life You Desire...or Reflections on my 32nd Birthday.

September 9, 2017 Jen Wyatt

It's my 32nd birthday today. I have more wisdom and grey hairs than I used to, but other than that I feel basically like my 16-year-old self.*

*Which is a good thing, because that 16-year-old is close to my true self (that self I mention below, and who I talk about more in this post about following your North Star.)

Since I always reflect hard on the anniversary of my birth, I would like to publish an entry from my personal journal, written on September 9, 2015 - my 30th birthday. I kept a journal during the entire four months I was in yoga teacher training and it was the best thing I've ever done. It's so awesome to look back through it now and continue to feel motivated and validated in the work I am doing (both on myself, and professionally), and to remind myself of where I was and where I want to be.

This entry just scratches the surface of my story and I plan on sharing more of it in the future, in the hopes that it will help inspire others to overcome any hardships, blocks, or fears with which they may be struggling. But for now, I'm spreading my vulnerability wings in this way. My hope is that this entry will inspire you to know that a change or a new way is possible - whatever that means for you. You CAN go for everything you desire.

This is very personal, I feel very vulnerable, and yes, I really do talk to myself like this, as though I'm writing to another person. Maybe I am? (Cue woo woo music.) This is truly not edited in any way, so here's some raw Jen Wyatt:

Quick reflections before bed on my 30th birthday...

30 does feel different. But not in a bad way. Still in a way that makes me emotional. I think it's just reflecting on where I am...and how far I've come. I feel like I am finally becoming my true self, and who I was meant to be. Why has it taken so long to allow this person to emerge more fully? She's always been there, and I've always been in touch with her in some capacity, but I feel that I'm finally able to start to make her a priority. She's not getting pushed to the back burner because of what other people expect of me or what I think I should do. As Kate says, "fuck should." I need to start living my life the way that is right for me. Approaching 30 has helped me see that. Everything I've been through in the last few years with leaving Kurt, and then his death, has made me more reflective and more conscious of my life, my time on this earth, and in making choices that are right and positive for myself.

So here's to 30. The year when I start following my dreams. The year when I stop caring about what I should do, and start just doing what feeds my soul. Here's to the year (and forever more) of making shit happen, instead of waiting for it to come to me. And the year where I don't procrastinate those "I've always wanted to ______." We get one life. There are no excuses not to go after all that you hope for and dream for. Follow that desire.

As of today, it's been exactly two years since I wrote that journal entry, and I am now in the midst of pursuing my dreams, goals, and passions as a career full time. I am currently living out of a suitcase... having just left my life in Boston as an elementary school teacher and part-time yoga instructor, the life of comfort that I knew with a supportive community of friends and colleagues surrounding me. And now striding towards the next life... a life in a new city (Naples, Florida), with no community (yet!), no income (yet!), and a zillion other unknowns...but with the feeling in my heart that, despite all the struggles that will undoubtedly come, I am back on the path that is right for me. The path that will lead me closer to my own truth, in whatever form that ends up taking. I've nowhere near "made it" and this isn't a traditional "success story" in the sense that I've achieved all that I've ever wanted, made gazillions of dollars doing it, and am sipping pina coladas every day from my hammock (yet!). But in all seriousness, this is success to me - because I've taken steps in the direction of following my heart. And now all that's left is the journey.

jenwyattyoga — "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

~ Lao Tzu

Follow your North Star

September 8, 2017 Jen Wyatt

You may know that I was an elementary school teacher before I became a yoga instructor, and so I've been exposed to all kinds of children's books over the years. I was introduced to Peter H. Reynolds and his books a few years back and I was instantly hooked. All of his books have a beautiful message to help kids (and adults, as you'll see) feel inspired, believe in themselves, express themselves creatively, and follow their hearts. He has countless books (and you should check them all out), but my personal favorite so far has been The North Star.

As I was reading The North Star for the first time to my students, I started to get choked up. As I kept reading I realized...this book is meant for me. It's meant for all of us.

It's about a boy who starts out early in his life, early in his journey, feeling happy and content. As he grows, a rabbit begins urging him onto "the path" - the path that others have traveled before him. The boy isn't sure why he's on "the path" and it doesn't feel quite right, but the rabbit is adamant - he shouldn't delay, many other people are ahead of him and he doesn't want to fall behind! Over time the boy begins to feel lost...and he's not sure where he is or why he's even traveling this path. Eventually...with the help of a new friend...he finds his way off the path, and learns to follow his true North Star.

Now, before reading further - I urge you to read the book yourself. You can check out a virtual copy of the story HERE. It's beautifully written and I definitely didn't do it justice in my summary.

This book started some serious reflection on my part (what else is new?)

It got me thinking about how so much of my life I've been on "the path." Not my path, but the path that I thought I was supposed to be on. The path I thought I should take.

We are all born as our true selves. I see this in the young children I teach. Children have a true radiant spirit, they enjoy each moment, they play, they explore, they question, and they don't seem to have inhibitions. They live their truth. It's only until society takes hold of them, and they start to feel pressures to conform, to be accepted, to be liked - that they begin to censor themselves or hide their true selves inside.

I think back to myself as a child, when I would play outside, wander in the woods, or lay on the ground staring up at the treetops and taking full breaths, being present in each moment. I also think about those years approaching adulthood - let's call it my 16 year-old-self. This version of myself was still in touch with my truest self. I would spend hours in my room, listening to the radio (making mixtapes!) or the classic rock CDs I would steal from my dad. I'd draw, paint, pastel, color, and otherwise create without caring what other people thought or who would see it. I was doing these things purely out of the joy it created for me.

But somewhere along the way, I started to do more and more of what I thought I should do. I did more and more of what I thought was productive, or leading me in a certain "successful" direction. The things I did purely for joy (and no external gain) started to be placed on the back burner. I think I became addicted to "achieving" rather than listening to my own inner guidance regarding whether I even enjoyed what I was doing. Now don't get me wrong, you're never going to enjoy every single minute of hard work toward a goal...sometimes it takes discipline and sacrifice to get where you need to be. But what's the point if the end goal isn't even something you truly want for yourself?

I was an artist in high school, and I wanted to go to art school. The first major step off of my own path, and onto "THE path" was when I decided I should forego art school in order to attend Boston University in the College of Arts and Sciences. After all, it wasn't smart to limit myself to just art school - I should have options for more "practical" opportunities. And so I did. I still had a blast and I learned so much as I pursued another passion - psychology. But the artist in me, the creator, was pushed to the back burner for when I had "more time."

I continued somewhat off my path for the next ten+ years. And as I traveled (having a lot of wonderful experiences and making connections with amazing people along the way, don't get me wrong!), I continued to go deeper and deeper into the woods, into the swamp. I had followed the path that was other people's path. But it wasn't fully my own. There were bits and pieces that were mine, but I wasn't allowing my North Star to fully shine its light. I lost myself.

After ignoring my North Star for so long, I went through a period of hardship and tragedy, which forced me to start to listen to myself. Through these challenging times, my yoga practice increased, which connected me even further to my inner guidance and my true self. I changed a lot of my habits, enrolled in a yoga teacher training, and changed my entire outlook on our universe.

This does not mean that I regret my path. My path has made me who I am today, and I don't regret any of my choices or experiences. However, I finally feel that I am back on my path. I just left my job as an elementary school teacher, and although I miss the kids, I know it was the right decision for me at this time. I know I'll work with kiddos in some capacity in the future; I still can't get enough of their vibrance and truth. (Plus I love building forts and playing outside.) But for now, my truth is pursuing my business of yoga, wellness, and travel. Through these means, I plan to help others on their own journey. I want to help others feel good, feel inspired, and feel empowered to live the life that they want. I want to help others connect with themselves, first and foremost, and to learn to listen to that quiet voice inside. Finally, I hope I can help provide support and community in others doing this work.

I'm hoping that this post, and this book, will serve as a reminder to you about how important it is to listen to that voice inside, to listen to your true self. It's also never too late to change your course. You can rewrite your story, starting now.

P.S. If you're local and would like to buy this book, consider visiting The Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham, MA, owned by the Reynolds family. If you're not local, please purchase the book here!

The above is an affiliate link. That means that if you purchase a product I've recommended, I may earn a small commission from Amazon. I only recommend books, products, etc. that I have personally used or experienced, and that I believe will help you change your life! Purchasing through these links helps to support Wander Free Wellness in the mission of spreading healing and self-discovery. Thank you!

The Power of Music & Yoga

June 13, 2017 Jen Wyatt

I’ve heard it’s controversial whether to include music in a yoga class. Arguments are that it takes away from the focus of the poses or the meditative state. Or that we will trigger someone with a piece of music - it could bring back a difficult time in their life, or remind them of something that they’d rather forget.

I want to be sensitive to those who have experienced trauma in their life. And I believe that music, in addition to yoga, has the power to heal.

Music is powerful.

Music is fun. Music evokes a ton of emotion. Music reminds us (vividly) of our past.

Music can create a haunting feeling, a feeling of familiarity, or of nostalgia.

Music can change your mood in an instant. It can make you feel like you’re soaring to the highest heights or leave you with a pit in your stomach.

At least this is what it does to me. And I embrace it.

Isn’t yoga learning to be in our present state, and stay there, no matter what that state might be?

Yoga isn’t about learning to cut out all the noise and sit in peace and silence in order to feel better. Yoga is about feeling all the feels, and staying.

I have been in yoga classes before where I’ve cried because of the music playing. I remember being in a class during my teacher training (with one of my teachers, Renee LeBlanc), doing sun salutations with tears streaming down my face, as Ray Lamontagne’s “I Still Care for You” played over the speakers. I wasn’t exactly sure what had triggered it, because I wasn’t sure I had even heard the song before, but I knew it reminded me of a painful loss I gone through less than a year prior. But this musical experience wasn’t a bad one. Sure, I felt a rush of emotion. But I didn’t run - instead I found out what the song was. I needed to know.

I played that song countless times over the next months and cried each time I heard it. It helped me to release a lot of sadness, grief, and emotion that had been lodged inside my heart. (Maybe I had lodged it there in an effort to always have it pulled together, to appear strong, and to “make it through”. More on that another time…) Through diving into these emotions, I grew stronger in the end.

The bottom line is this:

Music heals. Yoga heals.

Music can release stuck emotions. Yoga can release stuck emotions (and a lot of muscular tension too).

I see the parallels so clearly in my own life, and I want to bring that to other people as well.

So, while many of my playlists are inspired by fun and good memories of childhood (check out Yoga Mixtape), some of my playlists have unique or mellow songs that, who knows, may strike a nerve for you.

I hope that you can embrace that. Cry on your mat if you need to. I’ll be there holding space for you, and maybe even offering a comforting hands-on assist to help you feel supported. You should never feel ashamed to surrender in the face of painful emotions. It’s that surrender that will lead you through your healing.

For those who disagree with me - I respect your opinion, and welcome it here in order to open a dialogue. But I won’t change my style. And I hope that in the process I’ll attract a tribe of people who feel the same way I do.

Play on!

Yoga + Nature, and why you should try it.

March 6, 2017 Jen Wyatt

Out in nature is my favorite place to teach yoga.

I believe yoga and nature both serve the same purpose in their own way, and that purpose is connection. Yoga is about connecting mind, body, and spirit, and through this awareness connecting us to all beings and entities in our infinite universe. I believe being in nature, truly experiencing the natural world around us, does the same. A lack of connection with nature contributes to our stress, anxiety, depression, and general feelings of less-than-ideal well-being. The comfort, quiet, and rejuvenation of being in nature calms the body and mind and can help you connect with your truest self - just give it the chance, and to learn to listen.

Growing up in rural New Hampshire, I have always felt the greatest sense of peace and contentment when I'm walking in the woods. In fact my "happy place," the vision I imagine when I want to feel calm and connected, is laying in my hammock as a child, at the edge of our woods, looking up at the trees and sky. It feels only natural that yoga, something that also brings me a sense of peace and clarity, should be combined with nature.

This is one reason why I am passionate about leading yoga outdoors and on retreats. I want to make it easy for others to disconnect from their technology, their daily grind, and get into nature to restore and rejuvenate both mind and body. My upcoming retreat in Maine this June 2017 (co-led with Ellie and Dave from Venture Outside) is a way to do that.

If you haven't participated in an outdoor yoga class, do your best to try one as soon as you can. Whether it's beach yoga, stand-up paddleboard yoga, island yoga, a yoga retreat, or yoga on your own in the woods - I guarantee you it will take you to a different head space than your typical studio or home practice.

What has your experience been with outdoor yoga?

If you could try yoga in one new space - where would it be?

Let me know in the comments!

Dreaming of Retreat

January 20, 2017 Jen Wyatt

Those of you who know me may know that one of my big goals is to lead wellness and adventure retreats. As an avid traveler in my personal life, as well as someone who has worked in the travel industry, it only makes sense that I combine all of my passions together into one big happy family. What are all of those passions, you ask?

EXPLORATION. YOGA. NATURE. ADVENTURE. GOOD FOOD. COMMUNITY.

I want to create a travel experience that balances you. I want to create a dual experience for you, where you feel both ease and excitement. One where you feel like you have rejuvenated your mind and body with yoga, meditation, healthy delicious food, and rest. But also one where you have broken out of your comfort zone and tried a new food, a new adventurous activity, or made a new friend. Even just having a conversation with a new person, and thus expanding your own personal community, adds to your growth.

I have been learning the ins and outs of becoming a retreat leader through the amazing guidance of Julie Zuzek, The Corporate Yogi (check out her amazing podcast), and her program for current or aspiring Retreat Leaders called Retreat U. I have been learning a lot and am constantly inspired being a part of this group.

In the below interview with Julie, I chat a lot about my goals and aspirations - and about how I am starting first by building Sangha (community) and attracting my "tribe" in Boston before jumping into leading retreats on my own.

If my vibe matches yours, please join my email list here and be updated on my events and future retreats!

And if you are another yoga teacher looking to lead retreats - I highly recommend becoming a member of Retreat U @ www.retreatu.co

Yoga Mix Tape: Volume One

December 24, 2016 Jen Wyatt

"Jen was an expert mix-taper in the 90s. Cassette deck perpetually poised and at the ready, radio consistently playing in the background, Jen could often be found diving across her wallpapered bedroom to press record and snag that song she'd been waiting for. Times have changed, and Spotify has made all of her dreams come true, but we don't have to lose the vibe of this beloved memory."

Yoga Mix Tape is my first original yoga series where I am tracking back to my childhood to bring something fun and lighthearted to the yoga community. I hope to attract like-minded people who love music, love moving, love community, and love fun. At each Yoga Mix Tape event, you can expect a themed throwback playlist - something that would have appeared on the homemade mixed tapes of the 90s. I hope to bring a little fun and good memories into the positive yoga scene.

On December 8th I hosted Vol. 1: Throwback Holiday Jams. We moved and sweat to a holiday playlist filled with 90s and 00s goodness...from Mariah to Britney to NSync and even Adam Sandler. A few of my favorite classics (including Dean Martin's version of Baby It's Cold Outside, my most favoritest ever) rounded out the mix.

Check out the playlist here and on Spotify - maybe it can become a part of your holiday yoga repertoire?

SUP Yoga Meets Acro Yoga...What!?

August 28, 2016 Jen Wyatt

Two things I've been dabbling with came together this summer...

Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, say hello to AcroYoga.

This was something I decided to do on a whim when a friend invited me to this class with SUP Yo! I love trying new things, and so I had to say yes. Say yes, people! For me, it feels so amazing just to TRY something new. The excitement that comes from traveling just a little bit outside your comfort zone is kind of exhilarating. The only thing more fun is when you try something new, and then you also find some success in it. Having an experienced base for my flying helped me to feel steady and comfortable, and he coached me through the process. Being able to nail a couple of these poses made me feel like a superhero for a day. And trust me, I'm just a normal human.

My friend Yvonne and I as we watch with amazement what others are doing.

So my challenge to you? Say yes! Get out and try something new, whatever it is! If you've never tried Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga, or even just SUP without the yoga, get out there and try it! It's such a fun summer activity that gets you connected to nature while working your body and mind at the same time.

If you've never tried AcroYoga, check your local studios for options, or check Facebook and other social media sites for groups near you. Often you'll find these yogis just playing around at local parks. I have never met an AcroYogi that wasn't super friendly, open, accommodating, and willing to meet someone new - so give it a shot! What's the worst that can happen? You might just discover a new hobby...

What's been your experience with SUP Yoga or AcroYoga?

What's one new thing you're going to try this year?

Bachelorette Party and Wedding Yoga!

August 1, 2016 Jen Wyatt

I love special occasion yoga. Not only do I love creating fun themed playlists to go with a particular event or theme (some fun past playlists here), but I love teaching yoga to groups of people who know each other. Whether it's workplace yoga, team yoga, or what I like to call - party yoga.

This summer this bachelorette party took their yoga lakeside, under the trees, on beach towels, to a soundtrack of 90s hip hop jams and love songs.

But let's not stop at Bachelorette Yoga! Yoga on the morning of a wedding might be just what everyone needs to shake off any rehearsal dinner residuals, or calm those pre-wedding jitters. I had a blast making this wedding themed playlist for just the occasion.

More wedding yoga pics to come!

If you'd like to book a group session for your bachelorette party or wedding, please be in touch! Playlists and sequences can be made to order based on your preferences, style, and yoga experience level. Mimosas optional.

Writing for FITT Boston

June 17, 2016 Jen Wyatt

I have had the pleasure of doing a little bit of freelance writing for an up and coming website that rounds up the best fitness, food, and fun happenings in various cities around the country. Check out the Boston version of FITT here. Boston has become a real hub for all things local and healthy and FITT is a perfect showcase of local businesses, classes, events, and more.

Two articles that have been published on the site so far are the Summerlong Schedule of Outdoor Yoga Classes and the Boston area Farmers Markets. Check those links out - it's not too late to go try something on those lists!

I love being involved in fitness, health, and wellness in any capacity, and freelance writing has been a wonderful way for me to infuse those passions with a little sprinkle of creativity, and then share it with a wider community. Thanks, FITT!

Keeping it Light: Yoga Playlists

June 3, 2016 Jen Wyatt

One way that I like to connect with my yoga students is through music. Music has always been a huge part of my life, with parents who used to play everything from Mariah Carey to Elvis to Jethro Tull to Mahler, during all stages of my life. Just the act of listening to music evokes for me feelings of positivity, family, community, and connection. And of course individual songs and artists so easily call to mind a particular emotion or memory from my life. We all know how much music can influence our minds and our moods - and I like to use it to create a fun and playful atmosphere in many of my yoga classes.

I believe in balance. There is a time and a place for more silent, serious, and meditative yoga (although lets not take ourselves too seriously). And there is a time and a place for lighthearted and fun yoga. Life is about balance, yoga is about balance, and one way I keep us on the playful end of the spectrum is through my themed playlists.

I'm highlighting a few of the favorites from over the last year. More to come!

Halloween Yoga:

Christmas Yoga:

David Bowie Tribute Yoga (RIP D.B.):

Old School Hip Hop Yoga: Ladies Style (This one was for a bachelorette party)

Community Garden and Wellness Day at Russell Elementary

May 30, 2016 Jen Wyatt

Outside of yoga, I'm still working full-time as an elementary school teacher (and have just made an exciting transition from a 2nd grade teacher to an art teacher!). And since I spend the majority of my time in that job, I try to find ways to incorporate the things that I love - especially yoga and wellness.

As our school "wellness champion," I've coached our 100 Mile Club walking and running club and helped organize events such as our annual 5K race (check out last year's recap here) and our community garden and wellness day.

Our most recent Community Garden and Wellness Day, which took place in May 2016, was such a highlight for me because I got to teach two short outdoor yoga classes to our students and families. It was nothing less than the. cutest. thing. ever. I was in my element and it helped me realize that I love teaching yoga to people of ALL ages.

In addition, I spent a good while the night before in the Whole Foods bulk aisle picking out delicious and healthy snacks to add to our "Make Your Own Trail Mix" bar.

Other highlights were bike and scooter races, planting in the garden, Fresh Truck produce, and more. To see the full scope of everything that went on, check out this awesome recap here.

We will continue with another 5K Race and Community Day this school year. Our upcoming 5K race is on October 15, 2016 at Mother's Rest in Dorchester right next to Carson Beach. We'd love your support - come run with us! Sign up here!

NamaStay Sober: Synchronicity in the City

May 20, 2016 Jen Wyatt

I have the pleasure of being on the team of volunteers for a wonderful Boston nonprofit and charity called NamaStay Sober. The goal of NamaStay Sober is to connect recovering addicts with free yoga, fitness, and meditation classes to aid in their recovery and connect them with a healthy and positive community. In addition, NamaStay Sober hosts sober fitness and community events around the city and gives Boston a fun and healthy alternative to the social bar scene. Here's a pic from our "Raw Yoga" event at Brooklyn Boulders.

How I became involved with NamaStay Sober is where the synchronicity comes in. One evening last winter, I was sitting in Boston Common Coffee doing some "yoga work" and applying for yoga positions. At the same time I overheard two people nearby in the shop chatting about yoga and what a difference they feel it makes in their lives.

I became overwhelmed with the feeling that this must be a sign from the universe (of which I had become more aware since teacher training), and I felt compelled to go introduce myself. When I met Nicoletta, the founder of NamaStay Sober, and realized what she was doing - I knew I had to take part. As someone who has lost a loved one to addiction, I feel close to the cause. In fact, yoga for addiction was one area of interest before meeting the NamaStay Sober crew! The rest is history. I now help secure food and beverage sponsors and donations for our fundraisers and events.

Check out our next event on City Hall Plaza, the NamaStay Sober Fit Fest

September 11, 2016 ~ 10am-5pm

Facebook Event link here: https://www.facebook.com/events/311969705820226/

Playing with AcroYoga

February 19, 2016 Jen Wyatt

In January and February I explored a few AcroYoga/Thai Massage workshops in the Boston area and absolutely loved it. I had the pleasure of learning a few things from local teachers Izzy Vanhall and Brian Lam, but then ventured out to the burbs for some more fun.

Centre Yoga in Woburn (a really beautiful studio) hosted a fun and relaxing AcroYoga night around Valentine's Day. Some yogini friends and I had fun getting upside down, trying not to fall (but still falling...), and just enjoyed trying something for the first time. It was a blast, and so rejuvenating at the same time. You do not need to be an acrobat or expert to give this a try - you can even be a newbie in yoga! The benefits are endless and I encourage everyone to try it.

Thanks to my friend Anne for being an amazing and trustworthy base!

Pause for Paws: Flow for the Animal Rescue League

February 5, 2016 Jen Wyatt

In early February I led a yoga class at Ink Block Boston to benefit the Boston Animal Rescue League. The class was titled "Pause for Paws", and we had a wonderful turnout and raised a lot of money for the charity!

I had so much fun teaching the class, and particularly creating an "animal-themed" playlist. We did Cat-Cows to Cat Stevens and flowed to Dr. Dog, Wildcat, Animal, and more. It added a few laughs into the flow, which I'm always about. Check out the playlist on Spotify!

Healthy Around the Holidays Event @ Russell Elementary

November 25, 2015 Jen Wyatt

Outside of yoga, I spend my days as an elementary school teacher. Russell Elementary School in Dorchester is part of Boston Public Schools, and as you might imagine, there isn't much of a budget for employee wellness. That's where the Sunshine Fund comes in. My colleague Mary and I head up the school's "Sunshine Fund", which for years has been a financial fund into which each employee contributes for things such as birthday celebrations, baby showers, wedding gifts, get well gifts, employee appreciation days, etc.

Mary and I have chaired this fund for the past three years, and this year we wanted to bring more employee wellness into the workplace. So, the idea for a "Healthy Around the Holidays" event was born. Just before Thanksgiving 2015, we partnered with local business Beacon Blend to bring 100% organic smoothies to staff members during their lunch break.

Mary and I with Beacon Blend's beautiful display in our teachers' lounge.

In addition to smoothies, I created homemade paleo pumpkin spice and chocolate coconut "energy balls," and attached recipe cards for both flavors so that staff members could recreate the healthy treat at home. Finally, I gave staff printed information on how to stay healthy around the holidays with food, exercise, and mindfulness tips.

Beacon Blend's owner and founder, Danielle Perretty, even allowed a couple of our students to interview her for a project where they study businesses that help people in the community stay healthy. So wonderful!

Outside of this event, another way I try to impact our school's environment is by offering weekly yoga classes and free introductory meditation classes to all staff. Just trying to spread yoga and wellness in any way I can!